Is bruising normal after radiation?

Bleeding and bruising problems can be caused by low blood platelet counts, known as thrombocytopenia. Platelets play an essential role in blood clotting. Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation to the major blood-forming bones, including the pelvis and spine, are most likely to develop thrombocytopenia.

Is swelling normal after radiation?

Lymphoedema or swelling is sometimes just a temporary effect of radiation therapy, but it can be ongoing. It can also be a late effect, appearing months or even years after treatment.

How long does it take for radiation side effects to go away?

Side effects can happen any time during, immediately after or a few days or weeks after radiation therapy. Most side effects generally go away within a few weeks to 2 months of finishing treatment.

Can radiation therapy cause bleeding?

Your bone marrow makes cells called platelets. These cells keep you from bleeding too much by helping your blood clot. Chemotherapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplants can destroy some of your platelets. This can lead to bleeding during cancer treatment.

How do you reduce swelling after radiation?

Steps you can take to prevent or lessen edema-related swelling include:

1. Get comfortable. Wear loose clothing and shoes that are not too tight.
2. Exercise. Moving the part of your body with edema can help.
3. Limit salt (sodium) in your diet. Avoid foods such as chips, bacon, ham, and canned soup.
4. Take your medicine.

How long after radiation do you start to feel better?

Your skin should start to feel better a few weeks after therapy ends. But when it heals, it may be a darker color. And you’ll still need to protect yourself from the sun even after radiation therapy has ended.

What are the side effects of radiation therapy on skin?

Skin problems. Some people who receive radiation therapy experience dryness, itching, blistering, or peeling. But these side effects often depend on which part of the body received radiation therapy.

What are the side effects of chest radiotherapy?

Chest. Radiation therapy aimed at the chest may cause these side effects: Cough, fever, and fullness of the chest, known as radiation pneumonitis. This happens between 2 weeks and 6 months after radiation therapy. Radiation fibrosis, which causes permanent lung scars from untreated radiation pneumonitis.

What are the side effects of whole-brain radiation therapy?

Some short-term memory loss and difficulty thinking can occur if you are treated with whole-brain radiation therapy. Brain tissue swelling can develop during treatment. You may get a headache or feel pressure in your head if this occurs.

What are the short-term side effects of radiation treatment for cancer?

Radiation to the brain can cause these short-term side effects: Some of these side effects can happen because radiation has caused the brain to swell. Medicines are usually given to prevent brain swelling, but it’s important to let your cancer care team know about headaches or any other symptoms.